Launch of mental health resources for youth and schools

The Honorable Kelvin Davis

Associate Minister for Education (Maori Education)

Honorable Jan Tinetti

Associate Minister of Education (School Operations)

Associate Minister for Education (School Operations) Jan Tinetti and Associate Minister for Education (Maori Education) Kelvin Davis today launched two new resources to support wellbeing, as well as teaching and learning. learning about mental health education in schools and kura.

“Happy and healthy students learn better. These resources ensure that students value their identity and feel safe and confident in themselves and their school,” said Jan Tinetti.

“The overall goal of Mental Health Education: A Guide for Teachers, Leaders and School Boards is to enable schools to provide effective, high-quality mental health education programs to students. There was an extensive consultation process with various communities, ministries, health education organizations and youth representative groups during development,

“The resource will help schools plan mental health education programs that promote effective and empowering approaches to mental health education for all students, including Maori, Pacific, all sexualities and gender identities, those from immigrant and refugee backgrounds and students with disabilities. “, said Tinetti.

Launched today, by Associate Minister of Education Kelvin Davis, is
Te Oranga Mauri – Te Hā o Hinepūtehue: He Puna Oranga Mauri mā ngā Mokopuna. This is a reo maori resource that affirms the existing successful practice of kura, providing a new way to align with the regeneration of ancestral practice by increasing awareness of your own mauri, the mauri of others and of its impact.

Te Oranga Mauri is based on mātauranga Māori and kōrero tuku iho and intended for tumuaki, tumuwhakahaere and kaiako to support teaching and learning at all levels of marau. The resource was created by several key mātanga, subject matter experts specifically from Te Ao Hauora, Te Ao Māori and supported by Ngā Āhuatanga Ako,” says Kelvin Davis.

“These documents have been developed in response to significant global and national changes, which pose major challenges for ākonga, whānau and schools. There has been a dramatic increase in the number of young people in Aotearoa New Zealand reporting serious mental health issues. It was noted in the 2018 government survey of mental health and addiction that young people are asking for advice about mental health and how to take care of themselves and their friends,” says Kelvin Davis.

“Mental health education is primarily about learning rather than solving mental health or public health issues. When students learn the skills to support their own mental health and that of others, they have the building blocks to build their own resilience and experience improved well-being. A focus on wellbeing has been part of government work since before the COVID-19 pandemic and these guides provide us with another opportunity to support young New Zealanders,” says Jan Tinetti.

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